Between November 24 at 3 p.m. ET and December 1 at 3 p.m. ET, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will auction off halters of famous racing and stallion stars on its eBay page.

All proceeds from the auction will go toward the RMTC's four-year grant program beginning in 2018 to encourage tactical research into the detection and identification of illicit substances. The RMTC is pursuing contributions from other industry groups and individuals to match funds provided by the RMTC. The funding level has not been finalized but is expected to be at least $500,000.

“This program will provide researchers a consistent funding source for critical tactical research projects,” said RMTC Executive Director Dr. Dionne Benson. “This initiative will enable us to make significant advances in targeting emerging threats and developing new techniques to test for them – both of which are essential to effectively regulating our sport.”

The RMTC consists of 23 racing industry stakeholders and organizations that represent Thoroughbred, Standardbred, American Quarter Horse and Arabian racing. The organization works to develop and promote uniform rules, policies and testing standards at the national level; coordinate research and educational programs that seek to ensure the integrity of racing and the health and welfare of racehorses and participants; and protect the interests of the racing public.

For additional information, visit the RMTC website at rmtcnet.com or contact Hallie Lewis, RMTC communications and development consultant, at (859) 224-2844.